New-car transaction prices increased nearly 3 percent

The analysts at Kelley Blue Book reported that the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $33,453 in July 2015.

Auto industry According to Kelley Blue Book

New-car prices have increased by $856 (up 2.6 percent) from July 2014, while remaining flat from last month.

"Transaction prices continue to climb across the industry, with some notable gains from small and medium volume brands like Fiat, Kia, Mazda and Subaru," said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

"However, Nissan reports the largest average transaction price increase among the large manufacturers with prices up nearly 6 percent, driven primarily by its Maxima, Murano, Rogue and Sentra models."

Hyundai-Kia continues to see transaction price growth, especially as the market embraces Kia's all-new 2015 Sedona minivan, which is up nearly 20 percent from last year. In the same minivan segment, pricing for Dodge Grand Caravan, the new RAM ProMaster and Toyota Sienna has helped increase the category by 8.5 percent in July, the largest gain of any segment.

"Full-size trucks continue to have another big month, growing nearly 5 percent and achieving a $45,735 average transaction price," said Brauer.

"The volume and profit these vehicles are delivering can't be overstated, and both figures could go even higher when Ford fully leverages the new F-150's production capacity in the coming months." ■